unsupported

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "unsupported" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that does not have any evidence, proof, or backing to support it. Example sentence: His claims that the government was behind the incident were unsupported.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One form might claim that the idea of a significant debate is generated by unsupported or unsupportable philosophical theses about the relationship of the experiencing and minded subject to their world, and that once these theses are exorcised the 'debate' will gradually wither away.

SEP

"That, coupled with victims believing they'll be blamed, means far too many people are being left vulnerable and unsupported".

The Guardian

Like many, Jandyra opposed abortion, but was faced with raising another child unwanted and unsupported by its father.

The Guardian

These rules protect an unsupported, poorly performing, incumbent rather than ensuring that the best person gets chosen and supported for the best reasons: specifically the attachment of the Labor party to the leader's defined sense of purpose and vice versa.

The Guardian

Mark's most recent book was Walking With The Wounded, an account of the successful attempt of four wounded soldiers to reach the North Pole unsupported.

The Guardian

Gun nuts may have felt great protecting their own interests, but they also threw into question longstanding Missouri gun restrictions, such as the ban on convicted felons carrying a firearm – all out of a belief, again unsupported by solid evidence, that the Obama administration has hatched a conspiracy to pry guns away from sane, law-abiding citizens.

The Guardian - Opinion

Even the most devout 80s aerobics fan will want to avoid spinal injury from her signature move – the unsupported side stretch.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Attacks by bands of gunmen on numerous targets, instead of the mere laying of bombs, and the seizure of so many hostages, led to speculation, unsupported by evidence, that local militants in India could not have mounted the attacks without considerable foreign help.

The Economist

That has not made the world less messy, so I, Mitt Romney, will reverse that course and my change will have magical consequences.Yet take Mr Romney's detailed case, and it is full of wishful thinking, unsupported assertions and omissions.For example, Mr Romney said:The attacks against us in Libya were not an isolated incident.

The Economist

This is based solely on the unsupported assertion that the Chinese behemoth fears that the collapse of its smaller neighbour will somehow overwhelm its resources.

The Economist

Its argument is based on the unsupported assumption that intensive farm management and mass production of meat are essential for human well-being.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unsupported", ensure you clearly state what lacks support. For example, "The claim is unsupported by evidence" is stronger than simply "The claim is unsupported."

Common error

Avoid using "unsupported" as a vague modifier in long, complicated sentences. Break down the sentence to clearly identify which specific element lacks support. This improves clarity and readability.

Linguistic Context

The word "unsupported" functions primarily as an adjective. It is used to describe something that lacks support, whether physical, evidential, or emotional. As Ludwig AI points out, it indicates a deficiency in backing or validation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

13%

Wiki

7%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unsupported" functions as an adjective indicating a lack of support, be it physical, evidential, or emotional. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English. Its frequency is high across diverse contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic sources, reflecting a neutral to formal register. When using "unsupported", clarity is key; specify what exactly lacks support to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases like "unsubstantiated" and "unconfirmed" offer nuanced alternatives for expressing similar meanings. This analysis provides a robust understanding of "unsupported" and its effective application in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unsubstantiated

Indicates a lack of evidence to prove the truth or validity of something.

unconfirmed

Implies that something has not been verified or proven to be true.

unproven

Suggests that something has not been demonstrated or established as a fact.

groundless

Emphasizes the absence of any factual basis or justification.

baseless

Similar to groundless, but often used to describe claims or accusations.

unwarranted

Indicates that something is not justified or deserved.

unfounded

Similar to baseless, referring to something lacking a solid foundation or evidence.

unvalidated

Implies that something hasn't undergone a process to confirm its accuracy or legitimacy.

undefended

Describes something without protection or justification.

lacking support

States directly the absence of assistance or resources.

FAQs

How can I use "unsupported" in a sentence?

You can use "unsupported" to describe claims, theories, or structures that lack evidence or assistance. For example, "The hypothesis is unsupported by the data" or "The bridge was left "without support" and soon collapsed".

What's the difference between "unsupported" and "unsubstantiated"?

"Unsupported" generally means lacking any form of backing or aid, while "unsubstantiated" specifically implies a lack of evidence to prove something. "Unsupported" can refer to physical structures or arguments, while "unsubstantiated" primarily refers to claims or information.

What are some alternatives to using "unsupported"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "unsubstantiated", "unconfirmed", "unproven", or "groundless" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say a person is "unsupported"?

Yes, it is correct. "Unsupported" can describe a person who lacks assistance or resources. For example, "She felt "without help" and unsupported during the crisis".